Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Even when Everette Brown was a freshman and played a limited role on the defense, the defensive end was very productive. He only started three games as a freshman in 2006, but he managed to tally 13.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. As a sophomore Brown started nine games, mostly at left end. On top of his 37 tackles, Brown ended the year with 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles-for-loss. The 2008 season has gone pretty well for Florida State. The Seminoles have started the season 6-1 and the defense and Brown deserve a lot of credit. In those seven games, Brown (who has started every game so far in the 2008 season) is leading the team with 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. That production has warranted some looks from NFL scouts. Brown has good size at 6-4 and 252 pounds, but he could stand to add some more strength. His speed and quickness are great assets, but he can get pushed around on occasion. The good news is that Brown has room on his frame to add some more muscle and NFL teams should be willing to work with him since he has skills and instincts that cannot be taught. If Brown does declare early for the draft, and his junior year continues to go as well as it has so far, Brown could be a second round selection. 1/13 Update: Brown's 2008 collegiate season went so well that he is now a probable first-round selection. He ended the year with 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles-for-loss. Brown will take advantage of that success and he has declared early for the draft. If his combine numbers are as good as they should be, Brown will not last until the second round. 3/24 Update: Brown continues to move up draft boards. In fact, he could be a top five selection come April. Brown's versatility is a big part of his rising stock. Brown's Pro Day pretty much went as expected as far as the numbers are concerned, but he did show that he can play on the line or as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. That means every team in the NFL could use his services. 4/16 Update: However, his versatility also leads to quite a few questions. Does he fit in a 4-3 scheme as an end or a 3-4 as an outside linebacker? Traditionally, players who are labeled as tweeners (especially those who are only 6-1)do not get drafted in the top ten. Either way, Brown is a superb pass rusher who should be off the board by the middle of the first round.